The Scandalous Football Controversy: Unveiling the Predators of Gabon's Pitch

Football's governing bodies are facing accusations of failing to protect young victims of sexual abuse in Gabon. BBC Africa Eye has spoken to over 30 witnesses who have described a widespread network of abuse that has affected all levels of the sport for the past 30 years. The allegations of sexual abuse in Gabon date back to the early 1990s. One victim, speaking anonymously, described being sexually abused as a teenager at an Under-17 football camp. He and his friend were taken to a room with red lights and naked men, where they were touched and raped. The victim was threatened that he would never be selected to play again and that his family would be killed if he spoke out. Another witness, former Gabon international Parfait Ndong, alerted authorities to the abuse but was ignored. It was not until the UK's Guardian newspaper reported the abuse in December 2021 that four coaches were arrested. The most prominent figure involved in the abuse was Patrick Assoumou Eyi, known as "Capello", who was the head coach of Gabon's national youth teams for decades. Capello has admitted to charges of raping, grooming, and exploiting young players. Questions have been raised about whether the authorities were aware of the abuse and if there was a cover-up. Fegafoot chief Pierre-Alain Mounguengui, who was accused of failing to report crimes of paedophilia, remained in charge and was re-elected in April 2022. FIFA and CAF have been criticized for their handling of the situation and are facing allegations of a cover-up. The investigation into the abuse is still ongoing. Both FIFA and CAF have denied the allegations made against them and stated that they have followed the necessary procedures in accordance with their regulations. The victims and witnesses believe that child abuse is still happening and that children are still at risk.